Parish Ministries

As Catholic Christians, we at Sacred Heart pray as an ordered assembly made of a variety of ministries that express the manifold grace that each has received. (1 Peter 4:10) Most of these ministries are coordinated through the Spiritual Life Committee. Please contactFr. Maurice for more information.

Eucharistic Ministers are commissioned by the Archdiocese of New York to assist with the distribution of Holy Communion at parish Masses. They also bring Communion to the homes of those unable to attend Church because of sickness, old age or disability. We also sponsor a group of parishioners who take Communion to the Hospital and Nursing Homes. The ministers meet at least once a year to review and discuss their responsibilities and to receive additional spiritual formation. About every two years, the parish sponsors a training program for new Eucharistic ministers.

Commentators and Lectors are ministers within the Eucharistic Liturgy. Commentators introduce the Liturgy and announce the hymns.. Lectors proclaim the Scripture prescribed for the Liturgy of the day. The Church requests one lector for each of the two readings. Commentators and Lectors should be available to be scheduled at a weekend Mass twice a month. A resonant voice and the willingness to speak in front of a group are special assets required for this ministry. Training is required for both.

Altar Servers. All parishioners having reached appropriate age are welcome to become altar servers. Training is required: initially, training sessions cover practices and procedures followed during Mass in our parish, along with a brief teaching on the Liturgy and items used in the Liturgy.

Choir. The parish's mixed choir contributes its talents every Sunday at the 9:45 A.M. Mass, as well as during Holy Week, Easter, Christmas, and other liturgical events throughout the Church year, under the talented direction of Andrew Bauer. Mr. Bauer has an extensive background as a professional Church musician. He has a BA from Bard College and a Masters Degree from the Manhattan School of Music. The choir is always looking for new talent. Interested individuals are invited to drop in on rehearsals, call the Church office and leave a message, or see Mr. Bauer after Mass. The parish also has two contemporary ensembles which contribute to the Saturday 5:00 pm Liturgy and the Sunday 11:30 am Liturgy. The music includes piano, keyboard, guitars and wind controllers. If interested in adding musical talent, please concat Mr. Bauer

Ushers greet our parishioners at the weekend Liturgies, help them find seating, provide them with worship aids, take up the collection, distribute materials during and after Mass, and help anyone needing assistance during Mass. Several of our ushers have served in this ministry all of their adult lives - up to 50 years and more. Members meet as a group annually. The size of our congregation requires a large number of ushers, and volunteers for this ministry are always welcome and needed. Please contact one of the parish priests or the office.